HAVING watched First Minister’s Questions I was pleased to hear Humza Yousaf state unequivocally that many of the payments such as the additional Scottish Child Payment made in Scotland deplete funds from other programmes, and are put in place to offset the dire effects of the original policies of the Tory Westminster government. His comprehensive reply to Jeremy Balfour’s question (Tory MSP for Lothian) was a joy to behold.

READ MORE: FMQs: Humza Yousaf refuses to apologise for minister for independence role

Thereafter I read The National to enjoy Lesley Riddoch’s logic, and turning to the letters page saw Tom Gray’s contribution and thought his final plea “that our current shortcomings are directly because we are tied to a dysfunctional Union” was very well made by our new First Minister. We need more of the same!

Paul Gillon
Leven